Doula Responsibilities

The postpartum doula cares for the birthing person and their family in their home in the first few weeks following the birth. The doula provides non-medical support and companionship, assists with newborn care and sibling adjustment, meal preparation, and household organization. The doula offers evidence-based information on newborn feeding, emotional and physical recovery from childbirth, and other issues related to the postpartum period, and can make referrals if necessary.

The Postpartum Doula package includes, at a minimum:

·       3-4 hour/session postpartum visits between 0-12 weeks postpartum

·       Phone and email support from the time the Doula is hired until the final postpartum visit

Services of a Postpartum Doula include but are not limited to:

  • Newborn sleep

  • Lactation and breast/chestfeeding support

  • Bottle feeding safety and techniques

  • Help with the emotional and physical recovery after birth

  • Light housekeeping

  • Light meal preparation

  • Assistance with newborn care such as diapering, bathing, feeding, and comforting

  • Baby soothing techniques

  • Sibling care

  • Referrals to local resources such as but not limited to parenting classes, pediatricians, lactation support, and other parenting support groups

  • Integrating the birth experience

  • The emotional transition of the new family

  • Support of perinatal mental health

The Doula is not a medical care provider and will not perform clinical care provision or give medical advice. The Doula encourages the Client to consult the Client’s medical providers about any medical decisions. The Doula will provide information and support to the Client to assist in decision-making, but the Doula will not speak on behalf of the Client, nor make any decisions for the Client.

Additional Birth Doula Support (TENTATIVE)

  • Support during labor, birth, and 1.5-2hrs postpartum if the Doula is available

  • On-call support from Nov 2nd until baby is born

Client Responsibilities

Overview:

  • The Client understands that the Doula is not a medical care provider and releases the Doula from responsibility with regard to any outcome, medical or otherwise, during the perinatal period or the birth.

  • The client is responsible for providing a written review of Doula’s services upon completion of service. The client agrees for this review to be published on Doula’s website and social channels.

Desired Support & Fees:

  • A minimum of 6 x 4hr Postpartum Doula Daytime Support Sessions: discounted rate of $44.33/hour per agreement for 6 weeks of support.

  • Transportation fee: $62.50/session

  • Minimum 4hr visits

  • 1x 4hr session/week between 0-6 weeks postpartum as desired by the client with the option to extend from 6-12 weeks postpartum

Payment Terms:

Upon hire, payment is collected for the full amount of 1 x 4hr Postpartum Doula fee upon hire of the doula. Additional invoices will be sent weekly for 1x 4hr session and are required to be paid in full.

If a payment plan is needed, please discuss it further with Caroline.

Additional Birth Doula Support (TENTATIVE)

  • Flat fee of $1,000 to be paid in full if the Doula is able to support the labor and birth!

COVID-19 Clause

Illness Prevention

I am double vaccinated and boosted for COVID-19 and will take all precautions necessary to protect myself and the client from illness. All my other vaccinations are up to date and I have received the seasonal flu vaccine. If there are additional precautions the client would like me to take (masks, additional boosters, etc.) I am happy to discuss this further.

Interference of COVID-19

In the case of a policy restriction that prohibits me from being in the labor room due to hospital policy, I will grant you a 50% refund of the full fee for service. I will make every possible effort to be with you as you labor, wherever you are laboring. Sometimes, such as in instances of a pandemic illness or outbreak, hospitals create new policies that restrict the number of visitors and support people from the birth room. Please know that organizations that govern hospitals typically stand on the side of doula support and do not restrict laboring people’s access to doulas, however hospitals have the right to make up their own policies surrounding what they feel is best for public health. You do have the right to advocate for me to be present. However, if I am restricted from the room due to policy despite our efforts to advocate for my presence, I will grant you a 50% refund of the full fee for service.

We acknowledge that we have read and understood the terms and conditions of the Doula Services described above, including the responsibilities of both the Doula and the Client.